Hewlett-Packard LTO Ultrium devices using driver hplto.sys v1.0.6.2 (07/14/2010) experience "Error positioning media for backup" errors when attempting to write to tape. Until this issue is resolved in an updated HP driver release, there is a high risk for data loss. Downgrading the driver to hplto.sys v1.0.6.1 (05/14/2009) or earlier will fix this issue.

Hewlett-Packard LTO Ultrium tape device users utilizing hplto.sys v1.0.6.2 (07/14/2010) experience "Error positioning media for backup" errors when attempting to write to tape. Any backup using this driver version will automatically clear the media regardless of any append settings, and fail to write the backup. This affects all backup types: scheduled and ad-hoc. We strongly recommend the driver be replaced until a new driver without this issue becomes available, as there is a high risk for data loss when using this driver. Downgrading to an older version of hplto.sys, such as v1.0.6.1 (05/14/2009), resolves this issue with no impact to device functionality, usability or backup integrity. To downgrade the driver:

Windows 2008/Vista

1. Go to "Start"/"Run," type in "compmgmt.msc" then click "OK" to open the Computer Management console.
2. In the left pane, click "Device Manager" then in the right pane, expand the "Tape Devices" tree.
3. Right-click on the HP LTO Ultrium device to be downgraded, then click "Properties."
4. Select the "Driver" tab and confirm the current driver loaded is HP LTO v1.0.6.2 (07/14/2009), then click "Update Driver..."
5. Click "Browse my computer for driver software."
6. Click "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer."
7. Click "Have Disk..." then click "Browse..."
8. Browse to the location of the older driver (such as v1.0.6.1), then click "Open."
9. Click "OK" to search the location for driver(s).
10. Select the driver, then click "Next" to begin installation of the selected driver.
11. Click "Close" to exit the "Update Driver Software" wizard.
12. Right-click on the updated HP LTO Ultrium device, then click "Properties."
13. Select the "Driver" tab and confirm the driver was properly updated to the older version.
14. If you have any other HP LTO Ultrium devices, repeat steps 3-13 to update the driver for those devices.

Windows 2003/XP

1. Go to "Start"/"Run," type in "compmgmt.msc" then click "OK" to open the Computer Management console.
2. In the left pane, click "Device Manager" then in the right pane, expand the "Tape Devices" tree.
3. Right-click on the HP LTO Ultrium device to be downgraded, then click "Properties."
4. Select the "Driver" tab and confirm the current driver loaded is HP LTO v1.0.6.2 (07/14/2009), then click "Update Driver..."
5. If a Windows Update prompt appears, click "No, not this time" then "Next."
6. Select the option "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)" then click "Next."
7. Select the option "Don't search, I will choose the driver to install" then click "Next."
8. Click "Have Disk..." then click "Browse..."
9. Browse to the location of the older driver (such as v1.0.6.1), then click "Open."
10. Click "OK" to search the location for driver(s).
11. Select the driver, then click "Next" to begin installation of the selected driver.
12. Click "Finish" to exit the Hardware Update Wizard.
13. Right-click on the updated HP LTO Ultrium device, then click "Properties."
14. Select the "Driver" tab and confirm the driver was properly updated to the older version.
15. If you have any other HP LTO Ultrium devices, repeat steps 3-13 to update the driver for those devices.

UltraBac and the HP LTO Ultrium tape device(s) should now operate properly. Please contact UltraBac Technical Support should any issues arise during or after this driver update..